Head-to-head
2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
The Honda Pilot edges it, 90.9 to 85.6, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and safety.
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2025 Honda Pilot
The 2025 Honda Pilot is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Pilot FWD, is EPA-rated at 22 mpg c…
vs
C2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
More Honda Pilot head-to-heads More Toyota Highlander head-to-heads Every Pilot vs Highlander model year
Verdict · default weights
2025 Honda Pilot
Slight edgeThe Honda Pilot edges it, 90.9 to 85.6, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and safety.
Tech & comfort 2025 Honda Pilot leads by 44.9
Fuel & range 2025 Toyota Highlander leads by 11.7
Safety 2025 Toyota Highlander leads by 8.5
| Category · weight | 2025 Honda Pilotoverall 90.9 | 2025 Toyota Highlanderoverall 85.6 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 88.3 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 78.8 | 87.3 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 96.5 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 96.1 | 95.6 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 55.1 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 90.9 | 85.6 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Honda Pilot: base trim Sport FWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Honda Pilot wins
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 27 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 34 standard driver-assist features against 23.
- It gives rear passengers 32.5 in of legroom against 28.
Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 217 filed with NHTSA).
- It is rated 25 combined against 22 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 8 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $39,520 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 6 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 3,471 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 3.5L V6 | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | direct injection | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 24-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 19 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 27 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 4.167 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Transmission type | automatic | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.3 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 71 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 200 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 78.5 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 114 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 87 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 48.5 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 18.6 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 158 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.5 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 40.2 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 39.3 in | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 40.8 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | 32.5 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 4,313 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 4,313 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 5,870 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson Strut | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 37.8 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 351 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 330 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 20 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 255/50 R20 | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 18.5 gal | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | HondaLink | Toyota Safety Connect / Drive Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 3 months | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | 120 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 61.9 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 61.7 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 59.5 in | 55 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
160 features · differences first, then sharedSafety31 differ · 44 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | — | std |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | — |
| Advanced Front Airbags | std | — |
| Driver Attention Monitor | std | — |
| Hill Descent Control | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Brake Assist | std | — |
| Child-Proof Rear Door Locks | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) | std | — |
| Cross Traffic Monitor | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning | — | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | — | std |
| Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake | std | — |
| Front & Mid Row Outer 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats | — | std |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH): Lower Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row Passenger-Side), Tether Anchors (2nd-Row All, 3rd-Row All) | std | — |
| Rear passenger seatbelt reminder | — | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | std | — |
| Rearview Camera Washer | std | — |
| Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) | std | — |
| Seat Belt Reminder for all Seating Positions | std | — |
| Security System | std | — |
| Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Traffic Jam Assist | std | — |
| Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | std |
| Backup camera with projected path / Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Automatic High Beams (AHB) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment21 differ · 21 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | — | std |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| 2.5-Amp USB Type-A Smartphone / Audio Interface - Front Console (1 Port) | std | — |
| 240-Watt Audio System with 7 Speakers, including Subwoofer | std | — |
| 3.0-Amp USB Type-C Charging Port - 2nd Row (2 Ports) | std | — |
| 3.0-Amp USB Type-C Charging Port - Front Console (1 Port) | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 7-Inch Color Touchscreen | std | — |
| 7-Inch TFT Meter Display | std | — |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Android Auto™ Compatibility | std | — |
| Apple CarPlay® Compatibility | std | — |
| Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Streaming Audio | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| SMS Text Message Function | std | — |
| Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC) | std | — |
Convenience12 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Key Fob Activated Remote Engine Start | std | — |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet (Front) | std | — |
| Capless Fuel Filler | std | — |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| One-Touch Turn Indicators | std | — |
| Power Door and Tailgate Locks | std | — |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Power Windows with Auto-Up / Down All 4 Windows | std | — |
| Programmable Remote Entry | std | — |
| Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock® (Front Door and Tailgate) | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | std | std |
Climate1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-Seat Heater Ducts | std | — |
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | std |
Seating10 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated front seats | std | — |
| 60/40 Split, Flat-Folding 3rd-Row Bench Seat | std | — |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| Adjustable Seat-Belt Anchors (Front Row) | std | — |
| Driver's Seat with 10-Way Power Adjustment, including 2-Way Power Lumbar Support | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Flat-Folding 2nd-Row Seats | std | — |
| Front Passenger's Seat with 4-Way Power Adjustment | std | — |
| Head Restraints at all Seating Positions | std | — |
| One-Touch 2nd-Row Seats | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
Interior26 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 14 cup/bottle holders | — | std |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| Beverage Holders (Front Row-4 / 2nd-Row-6 / 3rd-Row-4) | std | — |
| Black interior door handles | — | std |
| Cargo Area Light (LED) | std | — |
| Digital clock | — | std |
| Driver's and Front Passenger's Seatback Pockets | std | — |
| Garment Hooks (2nd row, 2 total) | std | — |
| Hidden Storage Well | std | — |
| Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls | std | — |
| Interior Ambient LED Lighting | std | — |
| Leather-trimmed shift knob and tilt/telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Steering Assist (LSA) and multimedia information controls | — | std |
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | std | — |
| LED Map Lights (All Rows) | std | — |
| Lockable Glove Compartment | std | — |
| Multi-Functional Center Console Storage | std | — |
| Overhead console with conversation mirror, sunglasses storage and map lights | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Sliding Sunvisors | std | — |
| Soft-touch in-dash split-level shelf | — | std |
| Soft-touch roll-top center console with removable utility tray | — | std |
| Sunglass Holder | std | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | — | std |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Floor Mats | std | — |
Exterior28 differ · 31 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED projector headlights | — | std |
| 18-in. painted alloy wheels and P235/65R18 tires | — | std |
| Active Shutter Grille | std | — |
| Black-painted front grille with silver-painted surround | — | std |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors | — | std |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and manual folding feature | — | std |
| Color-keyed side rocker panels and lower molding | — | std |
| Compact Spare Tire | std | — |
| Dual Chrome Exhaust Finishers | std | — |
| Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna | std | — |
| Gloss Black Roof Rails | std | — |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer | std | — |
| LED Brake and Taillights | std | — |
| LED Headlights with Auto-On / Off | std | — |
| LED taillights | — | std |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators | — | std |
| Power Side Mirrors | std | — |
| Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear lower bumper in material black | — | std |
| Rear Privacy Glass | std | — |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers | std | — |
| Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | — | std |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Temporary | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED fog lights | std | std |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | std | — |
| Integrated Drive Modes | std | — |
| 10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT) with Shift-By-Wire (SBW) and Paddle Shifters | std | — |
| Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) | std | — |
| Active Noise Cancellation™ (ANC) | std | — |
| Eco Assist™ System | std | — |
| Idle-Stop | std | — |
| Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) | std | — |
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | std |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Drive Modes | std | — |
| Cargo Area Bag Hooks | std | — |
| Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 Total) | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHonda Pilot
Safety Signal 75 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 217 · 11 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (78), Electrical System (45), Steering (45)
Top recalls
- high Service Brakes, Hydraulic 25V391000 · 259,033 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V056000 · 1,494 vehicles
- high Fuel System, Gasoline 25V031000 · 294,612 vehicles
- high Fuel System, Gasoline 24V900000 · 205,760 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 77 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 11 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Vehicle Speed Control (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (3), Unspecified (2)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V872000 · 39 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Honda PilotSport FWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — (base trim) | $39,520 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — 9 trims | $39,520 – $53,675 13 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Pilot FWD | Highlander |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 22 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,050 | $2,700 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Honda Pilot or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The Honda Pilot edges it, 90.9 to 85.6, on tech & comfort, space & cargo, performance. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on fuel & range and safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Honda Pilot scores 90.9 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander 85.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Honda Pilot or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
2025 Honda Pilot: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. 2025 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2025 Honda Pilot wins: it lists more comfort and tech equipment (49 points against 27 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), lists 34 standard driver-assist features against 23, and gives rear passengers 32.5 in of legroom against 28. Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 217 filed with NHTSA) and is rated 25 combined against 22 (EPA mpg or MPGe). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 8 seats.